TOL: Quincy's Interview Archive

[Town Heretic]

Round Two Index:

22. chickenman

23. noguru

24. PureX

25. MrDeets

26. rexlunae

27. Random

28. TomO

29. tambora

30. Nang

31. vegascowboy

32. Psalmist

33. Maximeee

34. MrRadish

35. MaryContrary

36. Student X

37. Lon

38. Angel4Truth

39. Buzzword

40. John Mortimer

41. graceandpeace

42. SOZO

 

[Town Heretic]

chickenman (AKA: Randy)

chickenman (AKA: Randy)

The Interview:

Spoiler

Randy: Hi, Quincy. I didn't know I was going to get interviewed. But this is cool. Glad to participate.

James: Well, I had thought you requested one, when you posted the thumbs up in our discussion thread. My apologies if it seemed like I was forcing the issues :e4e: . Glad you are taking part in this chickenman!


So, chickenman, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

Randy: I used to listen to Chickenman re-runs on the radio when I was eating breakfast before school (elementary, I think). It was a stupid, but good show (back then). I've just hung onto it over the years for whatever reason.

I actually found TOL in the very early years of the site and had a different username, then. I can't remember, but I believe it was just my last name (arendell).


How did you find TOL?

I don't remember exactly. I believe it coincided with me becoming a MidActs Dispensationalist in 1997. I was probably looking around for like-minded believers and came across the site (a very simplistic version of what we have today). Knight and I interacted a few times back then about our mutual beliefs (though he probably doesn't recall). I must have taken off for a while, then came back and joined as Chickenman in 1996.

Since that fateful day, at the forming of an inseparable union between Chickenman and TOL, the lives of literally one's, if not five's, of humans have been irreversibly changed. :chuckle:


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

I've not participated in too many. I spent a little time on The Advancement of Grace for theological discussions. Other than than, I just pop into other forums when I have a need (ubuntu, plumbing, etc.). So I can't really give a fair comparison. From the little I've seen, though, there's no comparison. No forum that I have personally seen (again, very limited) draws the crowd we do and keeps people coming back. It seems to me that this is truly the most interesting community on the internet.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

I don't have many favorites. But here's what I do have on my Links bar:

• Dilbert
• ESPN
• Facebook
• TOL
• CapitalOne
• ChaseBank
• Yahoo
• Google
• WorldClient (my business email portal)
• Anytime Fitness (I own a couple of franchises)

My daily internet routine is: 1) Dilbert, 2) ESPN, 3) Facebook, 4) TOL (where I then stay)


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

The easy part is: I'd pay off my debt and then sock a chunk away for my 3 daughters' weddings. After that, I'd find an appropriate ministry to support. I'm not sure which one, but it would be one that is intent on spreading the gospel and the message of grace. Not an overseas missions group, necessarily. Right here in our country are people who don't know the gospel and don't understand grace. I like to see and participate in ministries that have that interest.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

I'm so uncreative that I can't even think of a cool new invention. Maybe a car that runs on coal. Or would that be going in the wrong direction? :think:

Seriously, I just don't know. My wife is the creative one who has come up with many inventions (in her head). So maybe you can interview her, next. :chuckle:


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Is it sad that I've never thought about this? I don't know. Cancer? :idunno: There are a lot of horrible ones out there. Any one will do. I'd rather the Lord just go ahead and bring to closure His plans for the body of Christ and the world. The sooner, the better. Any disease will be irrelevant, then.


What color is your room?

Ummm...
Beige...ish?


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

The only material things I really enjoy are watches. I love Invicta watches.

I could care less about clothing brands. Shoes: whatever is comfortable.

I drive a Ford F-150 Supercrew that I love. If I had to buy another, I'd by another Ford, only because I've had a great experience with it.

Electronic: I have an IPhone and IPad. Other than those, I've never owned an Apple product. But because of their performance and what I've heard overwhelmingly from others, I'd buy Apple for my next computer.


How would you describe your political views?

Conservative. Sickened that so many people put their faith in a party or a man. I vote, but I vote independently of an party. I can't imagine ever voting Democrat, because their position on abortion is disgusting. I will be hard-pressed to vote most Republicans, because they have proven themselves to be mostly liars when it comes to abortion (give lip service to "life begins at conception", but then make exceptions for rape, sign bills funding abortion, etc.). Right now, I'm a registered Constitution Party member. But I won't vote along party lines just for the sake of that. I either vote for the right person, regardless of party line, or I don't vote.

All that said, I don't believe there is much hope for our nation. I know that sounds depressingly pessimistic to many, but I believe it's a reality. Things will not get better until the Lord makes them better. And since he's allowing the god of this world to have his way for now, then that won't happen until He returns and personally puts an end to all wickedness. I'm a very positive person, but not because of any hope for our earthly future. I'm a very happy and positive person because I know that what we experience here on this earth pales in comparison to that of our eternal inheritance...that which has an eternal weight of glory. So don't take my earlier statement as making me a negative person. Those who know me personally know where my heart is.


You list as a Christian, and like many on here your view of it is sometimes at odds with another members. If you could make one statement to your brethren that find themselves at disagreement with you, what would you say to them?

You're never to old to see the light and turn MAD.


What would like you to say to the TOL community as a whole, including the pagans and non-believers?

For pagans/unbelievers: Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again. Trust that completely. There is nothing you can ever do to repay the Lord for His incredible gift to you. So just trust Him. Your debt has been fully paid. Accept it, and trust Him.

For believers: Renew your minds daily with the reading of God's word, believing what you read. You're dead to sin, even when you don't feel like. So reckon it to be true, trust God's word, and live a life of thankfulness for the fact that you are now and forever dead to sin, forever righteous, holy and blameless in His eyes. You cannot repay him. So don't try. Don't live your lives as if you owe a debt; live a life of thankfulness.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

I was all but kicked out of a church that I had been an integral part of for over 8 years. They didn't like my differences, so they did lousy things to shut me up and to manipulate a lot of old friends into rejecting me. It worked. And I still have a hard time dealing with it, a few years later. I regularly had to tell myself: "Paul was stoned and persecuted relentlessly, yet he rejoiced in it. What I'm going through is a joke compared to that. If he can endure that with rejoicing, then I can surely deal with this that amounts to only an inconvenience in comparison."

I strongly recommend II Corinthians (multiple readings) for anyone that is facing any trial of any measure. Paul's perspective on his own suffering is mind-blowing and so inspiring. II Cor. My favorite book of the bible. :up:


What was the happiest moment of your life?

I've had several incredible moments. Marriage to my awesome wife. Birth of my 3 girls. Salvation. I'm going to highlight a moment in my life that was a different type of amazing, though, just to be different.

I was a drunk in high school and early college. Not an alcoholic. I could go without whenever and for however long I wanted. I just truly loved getting drunk, getting over a hangover, and doing it again with my buddies. When I was saved in early '94, I began attending a very legalistic (I didn't know that at the time) Southern Baptist church. Drinking, among other things, was a terrible sin. So of course, believing that, I quit drinking. 4 years later, I was in a Chicago O'Hare airport hotel overnight. They had a mini-bar, stocked with beer (my drunken days were from beer, not anything else). During the previous several months (year or so, maybe), I had begun to study the bible on my own (as opposed to trying to justify Southern Baptist doctrine) and began seeing what grace was all about. I now knew that dancing, R-rated movies, etc were not inherently sinful things. I now knew that drinking was not sinful.

So as I looked at the beer in that mini-bar, I said to myself: "Man...I used to love this stuff. I know it's okay, now. Let's give it a shot."

6 beers later, I was horribly drunk. After not having had a drop in 4+ years, I had seriously overdone it and was wasted. I woke up the next morning with the worst headache of my life. Had I done that a couple years prior, I would have been guilt-ridden, avoided prayer for a time, moped around for sinning so horribly. But after having learned grace, I was able to get on my knees and pray to the Lord. I said to Him: "God, I'm an idiot. I'm so sorry I did such a stupid thing. Thank you that I've already been forgiven and that this doesn't hurt my relationship with you. Thank you for loving me, despite my stupidities." I experienced grace then - the grace that I had been learning about - like never before. That was an amazing moment in my life.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I used to be a college cheerleader. My wife (girlfriend at the time) and I were the same cheerleading squad. Though we weren't partners, we stunted together all the time and were very good. We were flown to San Diego to be in a collegiate partner stunt competition. We were both very good, but we were both very nervous and bombed really badly on TV (ESPN).

Also as a cheerleader, Jerry Lewis' little daughter ran away from me on live TV during the MDA Telethon (we had just performed on the show).

Also, I'm from Ork.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

To my brothers and sisters in Christ: Our old man has been crucified. Stop acting like he's still alive.


Thank you Randy for be so open and candid with us. I hope everyone enjoys reading what you shared today.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Don't have one.


2. What is your least favorite word?

Don't have a single word that is my least favorite. But I HATE hearing, "I can't".


3. What sound or noise do you love?

"DADDEEEEE!!!"


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Like TH and AMR, the telephone ringing.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

:Shimei:


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Humbler, than-TH, by-a-longshot

Seriously: Laid-back, analytical, easy, competitive, can't-count


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

1) My IPad (Bible, utilities, etc.); 2) IPad power cord


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved. Imagine if our relationship with our Lord depended upon His respect for us. YIKES!


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Marrying my wife. Nothing on earth, for me, compares to that.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

To be honest, I don't dwell on something that I want to be one day. So this is hard to answer. What's more important to me is knowing who I am in Christ. Being clothed with Christ, I am a 10 in the Father's eyes.

If I have to do this, then I can only say that I'm content with the man that I am. Should I be better? Sure, I guess. How about...8?? :idunno:

Thanks for this opportunity, Quincy and TH. Great idea! :up:

You are most welcome, chickenman. I'm sure everyone has enjoyed your contribution as it was quite inspiring :e4e:

 

[Town Heretic]

noguru

noguru

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, noguru, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

The Van Morrison song "In The Garden". Which speaks of a return to innocence that I believe Jesus prescribed for his followers.


How did you find TOL?

From another Creation/Evolution forum.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

On the top of the list.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Work (IT) related sites. Science and history sites. Music sites....


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

To invest in a business and society.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

Free environmentaly safe energy.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Alzheimer's


What color is your room?

Off-white.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

No.


You, like zoo22, have shown that you are a huge rock fan. What are your favorite bands, genres and live performances?

Grateful Dead, Van Morrison, The Neville Brothers, Delbert McClinton, Santana,Frank Zappa, Miles Davis & John Coltrane, Sam Cooke, Jethro Tull, Howlin Wolf.

I think there is good music in all genres. But rock, blues, black gospel, funk, jazz, reggae, bluegrass, folk and ragtime make the top of my list for components

Performances by the first 6 in that list.


How would you describe your political views?

Militant moderate.


You list as a Christian, yet you have a very strong foundation in modern science. What is the thought behind marrying both in your mind, when in most cases people attempt to segregate them?

I'm not overly concerned with what most people think or decide to do, unless it has to do with sales for my business. At any rate, there is a motto I follow that inspires me in life.

"It is better to understand, than to be understood."


For the doubters of scientific discovery, what would you say to them to defend science?

"It's your loss."


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

I am in its midst right now. Caring for my mother who has Alzheimer's.


What was the happiest moment of your life?
Birth.

What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

Curried goat with boiled bananas is my favorite West Indian dish, I don't know.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

A wise man learns more from a fool, than a fool learns from a wise man.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

hippopotamus (in a Swedish accent).


2. What is your least favorite word?

detour (when there is already lots of traffic)


3. What sound or noise do you love?

Waves at the ocean.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Someone experiencing excruciating pain.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

Thinking about all the possible answers to this question.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Athletic, humurous, compassionate.


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My word and my gonads, and I won't break either of them for noboby.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Respected.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Learning how to surpass mediocrity.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

9, I will never hit ten because there is always be something to improve or something new to learn.

 

[Town Heretic]

PureX

PureX

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, PureX, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screen name?

PureX: Most people think it's from the laundry soap, but actually it was the name on a water cooler that I used to have back when I first visited TOL. It seemed to make sense since I'm not a religious Christian.

How did you find TOL?

I think I just searched "theology chat".


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

It seems to have found the right mix of free speech and necessary oversight. But I can't compare it as it's the only such site I currently visit. I have visited others in years past and they either lost their 'fire' or imploded from adolescent bickering.


Like many on here, you have taken breaks from the forum at times. What happens to make you take a break?

I've had to stop participating here in years past because it got too nasty. There was no discussion, just insults and pointless bans. But I have to say I'm impressed with how well it seems to be working, now, and the credit doesn't go just to Knight, but to everyone, here.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Not all that much: The Daily Show, The Maddow Show, Boat Design, Facebook, YouTube, Apollo Duck, and Scruton Marine.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

A money pump. I'd set up a trust and use the profits to live, travel, and share.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

Probably a time machine. But it would be hard to resist the temptation to 'correct' some things.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Addiction. Lots of diseases will kill you, but addictions make you kill yourself. And they punish you and everyone you love in the process.


What color is your room?

Wood. Lots of wood.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

I'm a loyal Mac user.


How would you describe your political views?

I'm a socialist. I wish there were a socialist party. We need to wake up in this country and realize that the purpose of government, commerce, religion, education, money, all of these things, is to serve the society in which they exist, not the other way around.


You list as a Christian Other, but have mentioned in threads that you take a minimalist but eclectic view on spirituality. How do you view your faith?

I am a taoist Christian. That's not easy to explain in a sentence or two. I have chosen to believe in the reality of Christ as I have experienced it, rather than in any religion. Taoism, too, is about aligning oneself with the 'way' being is manifested in our reality. So for me, these are complimentary paths.


Were you always one of the faithful?

I had a direct experience of "God" when I was a small child. I was then raised Catholic but rejected religion when I came of age. And now I'm an 'agnostic theist'. I realize this all may seem sort of confusing to people, but ... whatever.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

I was a hard core alcoholic for many years. I learned to blame everything on everyone else as an excuse for my being drunk all the time. Hitting 'bottom', and having to accept responsibility for who I had become and what I had done to my life and to others was the hardest thing I've ever had to face.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

There isn't one. I don't live by those extremes, anymore. I'm truly pleased, grateful, and joyous to wake up every morning and not be hung over or riddled with shame and guilt for what I might have done the night before. I try to take whatever the day brings in stride and consider it all part of the adventure of being alive.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

In the real world, people are always surprised to find out that I have a master's degree in fine art and am somewhat well-read and have traveled a little. They look at me and see a 'Ralph Cramden' kind of guy.

But on-line, all you folks see is what I write, so you all might not be so surprised. Strange that the internet may give a more accurate representation of me than real life.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Sure, here it is: doubt is good, doubt is necessary to our sanity, and doubt is the ground from which faith springs. Show me a "true believer" (a man who does not doubt his own beliefs) and I'll show you a fool.

Everyone likes to be asked what they think. I appreciate your interest.


And I appreciate your candid answers and thank you so much for taking the time to share a part of your life with us today.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

"Logos" To understand what it means is to understand a lot.


2. What is your least favorite word?

I can't think of one.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

The sound of a Hammond B3 in the hands of a really good musician, like jimmy Smith.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Show tunes drive me up a wall.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

I heard a really funny line in a movie I watched last night, but it's not appropriate for me to tell it, here. It had me laughing for a while, though.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Only three words?


7. If you were allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

The two things it would be hard to live without where I am right now is a car and a computer.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Can't do one without the other. So fortunately, we'll never have to choose.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Getting and staying sober.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

I don't think of it that way. Each day, each hour, each circumstance, is a chance to be who I was meant to be; which is an expressions of, and recipient of God's love. My job is to do the best I can at being that. Judgement isn't my place.

 

[Town Heretic]

MrDeets

MrDeets

The Interview:

Spoiler

So, MrDeets, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

Well, my last name is Deets, and I am the man(most times) of the house.


How did you find TOL?

I randomly bumped into the term open theism while surfing the web, so I googled it, and saw the Battle Royale on said topic. I sniffed around the site under the name jmdeets for a couple of months, and then I joined.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

The best, although it literally has no competition. Never been on any others. No need.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Youtube, TOL, FB, Wiki, a couple of gun sites, and hotmail.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

Half to my church. Pay of debt with some, buy a mid sized house with cash, save the rest. Oh, and get tattoos.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

A fool proof absolutely perfect and 100% flawless parenting manual.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Cancer. Cancer sucks.


What color is your room?

White


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Levis jeans. Converse and vans shoes. Volcom or burton outerwear. Plus flannel shirts must be Goodwill name brand.:chuckle:


How would you describe your political views?

Right. Far right. Like ready for Texas to seceed right. Without Rick Perry.


You list as a Christian, and you are relatively a newcomer. For those in the community that may have not been around when you joined, or for those who have joined since, what is the story of your Christian faith?

Wow. Too keep it short, I was raised in church and church camps by strong, honest christian parents. Partied a but throughout high school in CA. My senior year a friend killed himself. I went off the deep end. Spent a year at Texas A&M and was introduced to Methamphetamine. Spent the next 2 years being a whore and a druggie, with all the junk that comes along. Realized I was about to die, and my 3 best friends helped me get free. One of them paid a bunch of drug debt off for me, and they sent me off to Texas. Spent 4 years whoring around and being a drug free drunk in texas. Moved back to CA just in time for one of my 3 best friends(the one who paid my debt) Charles Henson Blackwood to kill himself. After Chuck did his thing, I tried to drink myself to death for 5 months. My parents flew out to CA(I was 24) and literally brought me to Texas, where I got in the oilfield and counselling. Met my wife, and tried real hard to screw that up. We made it till 2009 when I was laid off for 9 months. Somewhere in the middle of that period I heard a still, small voice calling me home. I got into Romans. The Lord gave me a job in Houston area near an awesome church, and in October of 2009, I submitted myself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Been here ever since!!


Would you like to share with us your view on your love of Metal?

I love metal. Not little girl metal like Metallica(after the black album. Before that they titans among us mere mortals). Bands like The Black Dahlia Murder, Lamb of God, All Shall Perish, At The Gates, etc. Fantastic musical ability, but the lyrical content is no bueno. After my submission to the Lord Jesus Christ, those bands began being not as interesting to me. Now, I mostly listen to Christian metal(As I Lay Dying, War of Ages, For Today, etc) or a band called Thrice, or Praise and Worship.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

The suicide of my best friend and my diagnosis with multiple myeloma(bone marrow cancer).


What was the happiest moment of your life?

I have 3. The day my wife accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour. The day she sent me a picture of my 4 year old Grayson on his knees praying for me, and when my 2 year old started asking to pray for supper after his brother.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

With all my tattoos and scary music, I regularly tear up with gratitude and amazement at what Jesus Christ has done in my life and for it, and I also regularly tear up with love and emotion for my wife and kids. When it comes to my family, and my Lord Jesus, I am extremely emotional.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

NEVER underestimate shame. The accuser will use it to hold your chin to your chest so you cannot see that Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is reaching out to you. Shame has been the biggest enemy in my life and in my family's lives.

Thanks Q, for the interview. I am absolutely an open book if you or anyone need clarification or has more questions. :e4e:


Thank you MrDeets. I believe many people will understand you in a new way now and I do hope some folks approach you on the material you discussed.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Grace


2. What is your least favorite word?

Shame


3. What sound or noise do you love?

My sons laughing.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

The sound my wife makes when I've frustrated her... its a sigh growl mix.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

My 2 sons playing on a little cat/piano/karaoke machine.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Passionate. Humble. Entertaining.


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My guitar and my XD 9.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved.

9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

So far- raising a family under the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ. Brought my wife to know Him, and my sons, ages 2 and 4 already love to pray!!


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

10 in Gods eyes, about a 7 in my own.

 

[Town Heretic]

rexlunae

rexlunae

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, rexlunae, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

I went by Rex Lunae in Latin class in high school. I've used it online for almost sixteen years.


How did you find TOL?

I used to post of the forums for the Rational Response Squad. Someone there mentioned it, and I started posting here. TOL appealed to my desire to have an opponent.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

TOL has a better diversity, and it honestly treats opposition perspectives pretty well. And the fact that there are so many available opponents here stands as a positive trait to me.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Technical documentation, political discussion, science blogs and articles, geek humor.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

I would invest all of it.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

A time machine. I'd love to see the future.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

I'm gonna buck the trend and say heart disease, in part because so many people already want to cure cancer.


What color is your room?

White, with dark natural wood furniture. I didn't pick the paint.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Not really. There are a few brands I avoid, like Chrysler.


How would you describe your political view?

Non-dogmatic. I'm not really very moderate, but I believe in the process that involves actually talking to people rather than slinging slogans at each other.


You list as an atheist. Have you always considered yourself an atheist?

No. I was a Christian from about age thirteen until twenty. Prior to that, my opinion wasn't well-developed enough to give a name to, although I was raised Lutheran from a young age.


Many wonder why atheists take part on forums such as TOL. What would be your answer to them?

Do you hunt for deer in the woods, or the city park? I suppose in some ways I enjoy being the opposition.


In some posts, you have mentioned pantheism being an interesting concept. What about pantheism do you find intriguing?

It's mostly just that some definitions of pantheism are pretty close to, or difficult to distinguish from, atheism.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

I think the greatest test so far has been watching my grandmother decline. It's a long, excruciating slide into the abyss that imitates death more every day.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

That's a tough one. I've had a number of happy moments, but none that really rise to the level of the things people point out. I'm hoping some of those things are still ahead for me.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

- I'm extremely shy. Timid, perhaps.
- I'm often extremely disorganized (that may not surprise some of you)
- I count several Christians and Jews among my closest friends.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of reason derived wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

The mistake I see the most, from all sides, it getting too emotionally involved in the arguments that take place here. Make truth the goal, instead of victory, and don't be the first to resort to insult.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Indubitable.


2. What is your least favorite word?

ooze


3. What sound or noise do you love?

Laughter.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Crying.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

A friend of mine trying to flirt with a waitress, learning that she was in a class with him.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Skeptical, pragmatic, introvert.


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My phone and my car.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected?

Loved. But I think in both cases, you have to chose whose opinion you care about.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

That's a hard question. There are things that I'm proud of, but I haven't really figured out what I want entirely, so it feels cheap to crown a proudest at the moment.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

I'm gonna go with four. I mean, I don't have any robotic limbs yet.

 

[Town Heretic]

Random

Random

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, Random, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

Random: Random was the name of the character I used when I played Dungeons and Dragons. He was by far one of my favorites, so I decided to use his name as a my username.


Like many others, you have stuck with the same avatar for quite some time. What is your avatar of and what does it mean to you?

My avatar is from the game Baldur's Gate which was produced by Black Isle Studios. I like it because it makes me feel like I'm playing BG when I post here. It's a nostalgia thing.


How did you find TOL?

I go to Denver Bible Church and know the founder. Several of my friends were into it, so I decided to give it a go about five years ago.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

By far it is one of the best sites. To me what makes it stand out is the degree of traffic and participation. This allows for friendships to develop. Something I don't think you get as much on other Bible forums.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

TOL, Amazon, Wikipedia, Tigerdirect, Oxford English Dictionary, and a few other theology sites.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

Figure out how much of it I really need and give the rest away. I would also use it to help my family out and pay off their debts.


What are some of your favorite musicians?

Mozart, Bach, Two Steps From Hell to name a few.


Do you have a hobby you are particularly fond of?

Creative writing and Bible study. I am currently working on a novel that is modern rendition of Job. It is also loosely based off my own story.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

Some kind of device that would implant languages in your head. Similar to the Matrix only it wouldn't require a large metal jack to be inserted into your brain.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Cancer.


What color is your room?

A deep forest green. Not my choice, but I won't complain.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Not really.


How would you describe your political views?

Deeply conservative.


You list as a Christian, for many who are new and for those who may want an update, would you like to share your story of faith with us?

I came to know Christ when I was four and have never strayed from my faith. I don't have the typical I was a rebellious teen who became an atheist and hated God story. My testimony is different in that regard. Rather I was hated and abused because of my love for God. For me it was a matter of never giving in.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

Everything that happened in my 11th Grade year of High School. Towards the end I came very close to suicide. I guess you could say that was the final test for me.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

The birth of my sister.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I am an open theist who gets along well with Calvinists


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

That no matter what happens, God can always bring good from the evil happens in our lives. Like the potter who shapes the clay.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Apotheosis


2. What is your least favorite word?

"choice" as in choice wine.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

The noises the tiles make in Mahjong when you match them correctly.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

A cell phone in a movie theater.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

A funny youtube video.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Persistent, vigilant, calm.


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My Bible and laptop.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved


9.What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

My knowledge of the Bible.

10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

(Pending)

 

[Town Heretic]

TomO

TomO

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, TomO, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

TomO: I'm a fantastically original and creative individual so I used my name. :chuckle:

Back when I first started stalking about message boards and such I actually used my full name, needless to say that's not something I do anymore.

Thank you lain:


You have consistently shown good taste in your forum avatars. What is the secret to your selection process?

Well....I think there are some people who would dispute the assertion that my avatars are consistently in "good taste" but lets' just say I try to keep them interesting.
I like to use them to make statements....not always important or worth while statements, but statements nonetheless.


How did you find TOL?

From going to and fro in the Internetz, and from walking up and down in it.
The first message board format site I belonged to was called FaithForum. This is going back to the late 90's. It was a site out of England and was alot like this one in that the mods pretty much let things roll. I learned an awful lot and got addicted to it. Soon enough though management changed and the new crop of mods were a total pain in the neck. They even changed the format enough that it was very annoying to me. Soooo I moved on. I belonged to bunches of different sites between then and 2006 when I found TOL. I usually got banned from the other sites and then moved on to another. Every other site struck me as an insipid hideaway for people who were only interested in promoting their own preconcived notions. Some were so incedibly lame they gagged me by their very presence. To this day Doll-Like Avatars with Huge Eyes make me break out in a cold sweat.
Then...I found TOL...quite by accident. Perhaps it finally moved high enough in the Google hit range that I finally noticed it. All I know is that since I found TOL I've been much better.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

Far and away the best....no question.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Well...it depends on which computer but pretty much a huge conglomeration of message boards, image boards, various reference sites. It's kind of hard to pinpoint. I'm really all over the Internet.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

I would invest heavily in a local Womens Shelter (my wife volunteers as the Asst. Director). Eliminate the rest of my debt...buy a bigger house..put a big chunk away for retirement. Nothing exciting. I'm a rather boring person.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

A limitless, free, environmentally friendly, souce of power.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Cancer (in all forms).


What color is your room?

Which one...I own my house, they are all my rooms.


The one you are in.

The color of awesome lain:

(editorial privileges )


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Not really...I don't care who makes something as long as it is what "I want/need".


How would you describe your political views?

To the right of center....with a definete Libertarian penumbra


You list as a Christian. For the new folk who may not be aware of you story of faith, could you share with us how you come to have a relationship with Christ?

Well...After being a very happy New Age type for most of my life. I began having conversations about religion (I had done extensive study on them all over the years) with my room-mate. She was a rather broken young woman who believed totally and completely in Christ. The problem was that she was a lesbian who had had problems on and off with drugs and alcohol. Being as she was raised in a Faith that was heavily works based she was sure that she was Hell-Bound. We would talk for hours with her clinging grimly to what she considered "the Truth" in spite of what the outcome of this meant for her.
Eventually she got me to attend a Church with her and as I was sitting there I came to Faith. Oddly enough, I wasn't really paying attention to the Service when it happened...it just happened. It was like a light switch being turned on...a sudden epiphany. The following years brought extensive and exhaustive Bible study and a winding road with many bumps along the way.


You have shown us you believe in co-existing with the different faiths and have often displayed understanding for other people who believe differently than yourself. Could you share some of your philosophy on how to approach other people?

You cannot make anyone believe anything. This being the case there is no point in being uncivil to each other or hating each other. I cannot take credit for my Faith so I see no point in being prideful of it. There was a time when I did not believe as I do.....every Christian can say this.
All I can do is to speak the truth when I'm asked and let the chips fall where they may. That is the job of a witness; isn't it? Everything else is between the individual and their Creator...it has nothing to do with me.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

Being a Step-Father


What was the happiest moment of your life?

I honestly don't know....I'm not a very emotional person so I don't really know what to say. I mean; yeah...I've had happy moments but it's hard for me to put just one above the others.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I'm not now nor have I ever been in the Mafia.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Expectations can be very damaging things.


Thank you, TomO for sharing a bit about yourself this fine evening.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

"Yeah" Much like "dude" it can be used in so many different ways.


2. What is your least favorite word?

"Bar-B-Que" Don't get me wrong...I love to eat it but: Really people!?! What kind of abbreviation is that?!?! You drop one "e" so you can add 2 hyphens! This makes NO sense whatsoever!


3. What sound or noise do you love?

My Grandson jabbering happily.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Anything which sounds expensive.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

My Grandson trying ice cream for the first time.

Being an infant the only "tastes" he has had before this was formula and just recently he had started on green beans.

My wife gave him a little taste of soft serve vanilla when we were at the park. His eyes got real wide and he started bouncing up and down waving his little arms and legs around wanting more. It's kind of cool to see someone appreciate the small things of life so much because they are brand new. Being a somewhat jaded individual, it gives me a window into a perspective that I had forgotten existed.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Beyond short description


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My Chuck Taylors and a pair of jeans. (Total public nudity does not sit well with me)


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Making it this far (Hey...I told you I was boring).


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

6.74

 

[Town Heretic]

tambora

tambora

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, tambora, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

Sissy: My name is Sissy. (Well, actually, my name is Dana; but I have been called Sissy by my family and friends since I was born.)

The username “Sissy” had already been taken, so I used the name of one of the favorite horses I used to have.


How did you find TOL?

I was invited by another member who also posted on another site I was on.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

I rank it one of the best. It let’s you express yourself as you would in real life (not too restrictive, but still has a sense of a somewhat controlled atmosphere.) Reminds me of something like a school reunion. A diverse group with diverse personalities and views, where any conversation topic will draw some humor, some sadness, some contention, and some agreement. And of course, some witty sarcasm thrown in!


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

TOL, local newspaper link (mainly for grocery ads), my yahoo e-mail, and a folder with links to various bible versions.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

I would buy land. They don’t make any more of that.

And the one thing that I would splurge on myself would be a large dinning room table.
Used to have one that the whole family could sit at when we gathered (such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays.)
I miss that.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

A safe insecticide that actually killed an entire mound of fire ants!!!!


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?


I would choose cancer. It effects the body in so many ways and areas. And it doesn’t discriminate race, gender, or age.


What color is your room?

A light peach color with white trim.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

No. But I do tend to steer away from new brands until they have proven themselves.


How would you describe your political views?

Conservative.
I want less government, less restrictions, and less laws.


You list as a Christian, can you share with us what the Gospel means to you?

Saved by grace.
The death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that brought dead men to life.


Have you always been a Christian?

Yes.


If you could make one statement to the TOL Christian brethern regarding faith, what would you say?

That mercy trumps law every single time.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

The death of my husband, Walter. It was the biggest adjustment I have ever had to make.
We raised 3 wonderful children together, and had one child stillborn.
But he did not live to see any of his grandchildren born.

He called me his precious gift from God, and loved me beyond my wildest dreams.

When I would get worried or upset over something, he would take me in his arms and whisper, “I got ya, baby. Everything’s gonna be alright”; and all my worries would just melt away.
I miss that.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

When Walter asked me to be his bride.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

Nothing really.
I’ve always considered myself average and common.
No shame in being average and common.
No shame at all.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Life is fragile; handle with prayer.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

The word “freedom” always makes me tingle.


2. What is your least favorite word?

Can’t say on this public forum.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

A rainstorm with a low rumbling thunder.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

The moans and groans of someone in pain.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

This interview.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Satisfied. Lighthearted. Hopeful.


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

Bible and a pair of glasses.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

There has been nothing else that I could even compare to being a wife and a mother.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?


I’m a child of God.
What could possibly top that!

 

[Town Heretic]

Nang

Nang

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, Nang, let’s start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

Nang is a nickname given to me by one of my granddaughters several years ago. It is an acronym for “Not A Normal Grandma.” Unfortunately it was a joke that stuck and now my family and closest friends call me “Nang.” My real name is Ronda.

I was married young, and became a mother at a young age, and became a young granddmother the first time at the age of 46. Myself, daughter, and granddaughters are all trained professional ballet dancers/choreographrs/teachers, with our own ballet school . . . so whenever and wherever we 3 generations happen together, we always manage to configure any living room or kitchen into a “Swan Lake” scene of some sort, with all of us dancing around, hashing over or developing new choreography, criticizing each others’ techniques and/or just testing various brands of pointe shoes, etc.

Thus I am deemed “Not A Normal Grandma!”


How did you find TOL?

Through Clete posting and confronting my husband on another discussion group.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

The noisiest and most active.

TOL harbors the largest variety of error and heretical views found anywhere on the web. At the same time, TOL has retained tolerance of a sound biblical gospel witness to the grace of Jesus Christ, so I find myself hanging in.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Quite a bit. I have folders for Discussion Groups
Various Christian Bloggers
Reference Sites
Personal Busiiness & Misc.
And many Shopping Sites!


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

In this order: charities, missions, educations and family needs, and investments.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

Converting water into gasoline.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Alzheimers.


What color is your room?

Red/Gold


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Hyundai Autos, UGG boots, Apple electronics


How would you describe your political views?

Discouraged Conservative.


You list as a Christian and like AMR, you express your views as being Calvinist. How do you explain Calvinism?

Calvinism emphasizes the Sovereignty of God, which progressively leads to the following doctrines: Eternal and Unconditional Decree of Election of souls to be redeemed by the Son of God - - -the establishment of the Everlasting Covenant of Redemption - - ->grace promised by God - - ->with Jesus Christ as Mediator of that grace and covenant - - ->through Christ incarnating as a Man to fulfill all righteousness - - ->and suffer a substitutional death on the cross in order to impute His righteousness to His redeemed children - - ->and resurrecting from death as their Surety of everlasting life in glory in Him.

This is summed up not only in the five doctrines of grace TULIP as AMR has already presented, but also in the Five Solas of the Reformed Faith:

Sola Gratia: Salvation from sin comes by the grace of God, alone.
Solus Christus: Through the incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, alone.
Sola Fide: Who worked justification (forgiveness) for His children, realized by the gift of faith, alone.
Sola Scriptura: Revealed in the Holy Scriptures, alone.
Soli Deo Gloria: All to the glory of God alone.



If you were to make one statment to express your defense of Calvinism to the many forum members who disagree with it, what would you say to them?

Calvinism is biblical, historical, and reasonable, which teaching does NOT deny the willful responsibility of the creature; but rather reveals the loving relationship in Christ Jesus between God and man, through teaching the covenant promises of grace.


As a general message to all members of TOL, what is one thing you would like to say to all of us as a whole?

Keep in mind these scriptures: Malachi 3:16-4:3 and Matthew 12:35-37


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

My greatest spiritual test was the death of our last two pastors and the subsequent dissolution of our local church, for lack of finding qualified leaders to replace our wonderful shepherds.

My greatest earthly test was the out-of-state death of my two parents within two years of each other.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

It has not happened yet!


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

Many may not have realized I am a female, until now, and quite an elderly one at that. I am 71 years old, married to my Christian husband for 53 years, and still healthy, active, and enjoying part-time volunteer work in my niece’s gift shop in a tourist town nearby. Also, I was not saved until I was in my 30’s and then in an inordinary way, in that the Lord showed His grace to me apart from any church or Christian witness or influence. It was a simple reading of the Scriptures that changed me in one evening from a scoffer, to a believer in His reality, goodness, and grace. (Long story short!)


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Yes indeed, but it is not my wisdom, but wisdom given to me from the Lord, that I attempt to continually apply to my own life:

Submit my will always to the will of Sovereign God as Jesus Christ exemplified in His life. Luke 22:42

Rest in His works, not my own. Hebrews 3:12-4:12

Rest in His forgiveness. Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 8:12

Remain thankful during both good and bad times, according to the purposes and promises of Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 13:15.


Thank you, Nang, for taking the time to let us all get to know you a little better.

Thank you for the good questions and allowing me to participate in these interviews.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

compassion


2. What is your least favorite word?

banned


3. What sound or noise do you love?

A horse nickering over oats.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Coyotes rejoicing over a midnight kill.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

Thinking about my horses nickering over their oats.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Intense
Serious
Sincere


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My iphone and my cat!


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Both.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Buying a PC, assembling it, and learning to run it without instruction or help. Glad I learned the hard way, for I am now being rewarded with the ease and friendliness of my iMac.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?[/QUOTE]

5, if even that close.

I would be a 10 if I didn't keep messing up. :down:

 

[Town Heretic]

vegascowboy

vegascowboy

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: Let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

vegascowboy: I live in Las Vegas and I am, in many ways, a cowboy. I do not herd cattle. There is more to being a cowboy than this, however. It's about morals and integrity, duty to God, country, family, and being true to one’s self. I try to live by the Lone Ranger’s creed:

"I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.

That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.

That God put the firewood there but that every man must gather and light it himself.

In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.

That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.

That 'This government, of the people, by the people and for the people' shall live always.

That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.

That sooner or later... somewhere...somehow... we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.

That all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever.

In my Creator, my country, my fellow man."


How did you find TOL?

Like so many before me, I typed “theology” into Google’s search box.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

I do not really participate on other forums, so I cannot make a comparison in that regard. I will say, however, that I have probably enjoyed my time in TOL Town more than just about everything I’ve spent any real amount of time doing online.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

www.theologyonline.com (of course!), www.mlb.com (I love baseball…most folks probably don’t realize that about me; I don’t often speak of it on here), www.faa.gov (for work), www.nra.org.


Heretic: The cowboy figures prominently in your avatar selection as well as your username. Do you have a particular affinity for the old west?

Very much so. I have a great love for what is often referred to as The Old West. I enjoy reading histories of the era's people and places, weapons and commerce. I read a lot of fiction as well about that time period. I grew up with horses, and I greatly miss being around them. I do not have the pleasure of raising horses in my present situation, but I hope to again someday. Las Vegas seems far removed from the Old West with its glitz and glamour, but there is still a strong cowboy flavor here when you get outside of town a ways.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

“Well, I’d take what I needed and treat me friends with the rest!” (Quote from Waking Ned Devine.) In all honesty, I’d probably be boring and conservative with the money. I would build a nice, quiet ranch in Montana or Alaska, buy a few quarter horses, some chickens, a cow or two, and plant a big vegetable garden. I would be self-sufficient...not because I’m some LET’S ALL GO GREEN! kind of fellow, but because I truly get joy out of working the land and building things.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

A dog that wouldn’t pee on my rug. Never get a Husky unless you want a dog that’s incredibly stubborn and will only obey when it wants to obey and not a second sooner.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

It would be easy to say that I’d cure the disease that took by wife from me, and that wouldn’t be a bad one to choose, but I would probably go with one that effects so many more lives…like cancer.


What color is your room?

Off brown. Whatever that means. My favorite color is orange, but I don’t particularly want an orange room.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

My favorite car brand is Old Beat-up Truck. My favorite clothing brand is whatever is tough and reliable like Wrangler (although I have to dress up for work). I am not big into electronics. I use them when necessary.


How would you describe your political views?

Ultra conservative.


You list as a Christian. For the new folk who may not be aware of you story of faith, could you share with us how you come to have a relationship with Christ?

Christ came to me as a boy. I hate to keep using horse references, but my life’s pivotal moments often centered around riding. I was deer hunting on horseback with my father and grandfather on our property. I must have been all of 10 or 11 years of age. It was so still and quiet. I think the only sounds were the horses walking through the sage and the aspen leaves making their peculiar whispering sound in the breeze. We were riding slowly and my mind was wandering. For some reason, I began to think about a Bible verse my grandmother had read to me some time before.

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

I think I must have been hungry. I doubt that I fully understand what Jesus was saying, but one thought led to another, and I suddenly began to wonder about God and my relationship with Him. I have never had any formal theological training (as anyone who has ever read my posts can attest!), and have instead relied on reading the Bible and wrapping my mind around God’s word. My walk with Him isn’t over, although I will say that I know I am saved and I walk with Him in grace.

Romans 14:5 says “…Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” This has ever been my goal.


You have shown us you believe in co-existing with the different faiths and have often displayed understanding for other people who believe differently than yourself. Could you share some of your philosophy on how to approach other people?

I am simply not a contrary person. I enjoy interactions and dialogue. I think relationships are great investments. I can get steamed, but it generally only happens when someone presses me about something that I refuse to compromise...my thoughts on abortion, for example, or gun rights.

I approach everyone as if they are going to be my closest buddy once I get to know them. I treat them that way unless they give me cause to do otherwise. Even those with whom I disagree are, for the most part, deserving of respect. There is always an opportunity to share with them the truth that God has given.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

I would have to say my toughest challenge was putting the day that my wife died behind me. I’m still not over it, and in some ways, I doubt I ever will be. I go on for my children. They need a father, and I love them.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

Cliché or not, my happiest two moments were when my children were born.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I enjoy gardening. I have quite a green thumb, and I enjoy growing everything from trees and flowers to fruits and vegetables. I like working with plants indoors as well as outdoors. Love getting good, clean soil under my fingernails.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

“Be still, and know that I am God.” God loves you. He knows you inside and out. Don’t forsake Him. Let Him into your life, and let Him lift you up.


Thanks for throwing in with us, VC, here and in the larger forum.

:cheers:

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Sassafras! (For those who care, Sassafras is a genus of three extant and one extinct species of deciduous trees in the family Lauraceae.)


2. What is your least favorite word?

But. Especially when my children say it to me. “Please go clean your room.” “But…” “It’s time for supper.” “But…” “You need to start your homework.” “But…”


3. What sound or noise do you love?

I love the sound of wood being chopped with an ax in a forest, the sound of a horse galloping, the report of a firearm, and the sound of a summer thunderstorm.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

I cannot abide the sound of folks eating and drinking. It is difficult for me to eat around other people who are eating when it is quiet otherwise.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

One of my coworkers handed me a paper that said, “There are few of life’s problems that cannot be solved with the proper application of a high explosive projectile.”


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Father. Patriot. Disciple.


7. If you were only allowed to retain two possessions what would they be?

My Bible and my Winchester .30-30.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Respect is more important.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

The day I got my helicopter pilot’s license. Ok, this one hasn’t happened yet, but that will be my proudest accomplishment when it does happen.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

This is difficult for me. I am normally a very content fellow. Sure, things go wrong and I have bad days, but I don’t know that I’d change that. Let’s say I’m a 7 or an 8.

 

[Town Heretic]

Psalmist

Psalmist

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: Let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

Psalmist/Thomas: I owe my screen name inspiration to Charles H. Spurgeon, 1834-1892, Spurgeon was often called "The Prince of Preachers," Spurgeon did a commentary on all the chapters of the Book of Psalms, a task that took him 20 years, when I got my 3 volume set in 1974 I was hooked. So with an ongoing study of the Book of Psalms and reading daily devotionals "Psalmist" seemed to be the best choice. Another screen name I thought of was Thomas the Psalmist but it was too long.


How did you find TOL?

I was frequenting an automobile racing forum (Big West Racing) and one of it’s forum members suggested that I take a look at TOL I took his suggestion, and when I found TOL I looked and I was sold. TOL was for me.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

TOL is first rate. I've been a part of others but they were too biased, therefore I exited them. TOL is a fair, honest and open forum.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

TOL, Charles Spurgeon Archives, Nursing Home Ministries, a couple hymnal sites, Big West Racing, Auto Racing Memories, Moody Bible Institute, Coffin Talk a forum for those who are or who have been in the funeral service profession.


Andrew/Heretic: You've been public with your health struggles during your time here. Have those shaped or altered your Christian walk and what impact have they had on your overall outlook and faith?

The Lord has let my health struggles and conditions be one of my teachers and it has taught me to accept help willingly and to let go of my "I can handle it myself" attitude. It has given a great truth to two passages of scripture, 2 Corinthians 12;9 and Hebrews 13:5; it has let be more attentive to who suffer similar and other maladies, to help and comfort them as best I can. As for the impact, I can with great resolve and conviction say that God is faithful and His promises are yes and amen! I'm more convinced than ever that though I may be brought low yet I can trust Jesus implicitly, because He is the way, the truth and the life.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

I would be sure Mrs Psalmist was set, leave something to children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, make donation to TOL, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's foundations, the National Federation of the Blind, and start a trust fund for the Nursing Home Ministry chaplain's. Most of our NHM Chaplain's are retired and could use some help from time to time.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

There have so many things already invented that make daily life and driving easy, so I'll have to go with an invention idea organizer that shows what idea was thought of and the date, that way we will not forget what we have already thought about inventing and try to reinvent something from the past that has already been invented. You know I imagine the is an app for that, but still I suppose there is always room for improvement with some inventions.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

While I can agree with others who stated it would be cancer, I would also consider respiratory illnesses, for something that is not a disease my choice would be ignorance, then people would know the truth and not be in darkness about a lot of things. But I have to pick Alzheimer's and Parkinson's I think they are at times to be connected.


What color is your room?

Light mauve with a white ceiling.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Chrysler T and C and for me that's the best thing going, clothing nothing pricey, electronics my daughter and grand kids help me with that.


How would you describe your political views?

Politics is not my long suit, but it is moderate, conservative. I abhor the political dishonesty.


You list as a Christian. For the new folk who may not be aware of you story of faith, could you share with us how you come to have a relationship with Christ?

I grew up in a home where spiritual matters were divided. Dad was a construction engineer and a Mason. Mom was a homemaker and a very godly full gospel Christian lady. Mom was the greater influence in my and my brothers life, we moved a round a lot and mom would find a church was evangelical in scope and full gospel in influence. After dad died in 1956, in the summer of 1957, I made a half hearted profession of faith and wandered around in a spiritual wilderness until 1974, when in 1974 at a revival meeting that Mrs Psalmist and I were attending the evangelist touched on Revelation 3:20. And it was then I realized (maybe like epiphany, a sudden realization) that I was using keyhole prayers and pushing pennies under the door to keep Jesus quiet. I (we) went forward when the clarion call was sounded for Salvation according to John 14:6 and did our first works over with a heart of true repentance and confession of faith according to Romans 10:8-13, I wouldn‘t have it any other way, no turning back. We might grow up in church that doesn't count because God does not have any grandchildren.


You have shown us you believe in co-existing with the different faiths and have often displayed understanding for other people who believe differently than yourself. Could you share some of your philosophy on how to approach other people?

Listening is a big part of understanding the different faith of others; it also provides the opportunity to ready as we are instructed about the hope that is within us. I have always believed that John 14:6 and Romans 10:8-13 is my first approach when others say that all pathways lead to salvation. Being a chaplain I deal with a vast number of different denominations and cultures, so it is with love and understanding, patience and kindness that causes those of different faith to open up. And what an opportunity to present the true and real authentic love of Jesus. There are several scriptural settings that have also helped me have loving and peaceable approach to others, like the woman at the well; what a beautiful story of two very different people and how they approached each other; there is the parable of the Good Samaritan, and who could forget how Jesus dealt with Nicodemus and blind Bartimaeus? If we learn to approach others as Jesus did we cannot go wrong, and if and when it is necessary to correct, as Paul wrote and instructed to convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching, note longsuffering. You know do unto others, and not who is my neighbor but I am a neighbor to who?


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

The greatest test is three summed up in one, the death of two children, and the near death of Mrs Psalmist. Seeing death take place and not blaming God or anyone else, and then watching over one who is near death and see God intervene, that gave me a look at things that really matter, and sure isn’t the stuff, it is the loves of our lives and what we do to help and how we serve others.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

Our almost 50 years of marriage? The birth of our children and our 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren? The happiest moment was when Mrs Psalmist came of the ventilator after 11 days (the Dr's didn’t think that would happen) and 5 days later take her home from the hospital.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

That I had only one girl friend and I she married me, she married me of all men. She's still the one. What a doll.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

This is a twofer, there is no substitute for the truth, and forgiveness great amounts of love is a real healing balm.


Thank you for participating. I know everyone is as happy to have you in this listing and to get to know more about you as I am.

Oh and thanks for asking, I appreciate that. Sometimes it is good to air out the linens.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Foregive/en/ing/ness, a word(s) with a lot of power.


2. What is your least favorite word?

Idiot and that's right up there with stupid.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

A gentle breeze through wind chimes.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Sccrrreeeeccccchhhhhhh…Bang…Crunch…then sudden silence.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

The latest photo of our great granddaughter Olivia Hannah.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Compassionate. Understanding. Loving.


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My loose leaf wide margin Bible and a ball point pen with a never ending ink supply.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

To be loved, if one is loved I believe they are respected as well.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

If single out one thing it has to be Stuart Kuick. Stuart lived at the retirement center where I'm a chaplain. When Stuart (a veteran who had no family) passed away his final disposition was a direct burial with no graveside service at the Houston National Cemetery. With some good detective work I found the funeral home who had charge of Stuart's arrangements. I called them and asked if Stuart was going to have a graveside service. The funeral director said no and I said, "Now he is." The funeral director said there would be no honor guard available. I said, "But you can make it happen," knowing that the funeral director could do that and he seemed real happy. It was noted however that Stuart's funeral arrangements were pre-paid. I received a phone call from the funeral director the next day he said everything was set for Stuart to have a proper graveside service, even the honor guard; two days later we had a graveside service for Stuart Kuick. ~ I was able to speak kindly of Stuart and tell bits and pieces of his life, and then with urgency I spoke of the peace that Stuart had and if we want that kind of peace it comes only by knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord. I (we) left the national cemetery that day knowing that we honored God speaking of His love and compassion, with kind eulogy of Stuart's life and closed with explaining that there is only one way to have real peace with God, and then let Spirit and Word of God do the rest. That was a great hallmark of a day.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?[/QUOTE]

Maybe easing of 4 and approaching 5, cause the Lord is still working on me. I'm like an old lump of coal that will be a diamond someday.

 

[Town Heretic]

Maximeee

Maximeee

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: Let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

Maximeee: It's my first name with 2 extra e's added on.


How did you find TOL?

Word of mouth.. After I became a Christian, the person who led me to Christ told me about TOL, as did death2impiety (my now hubby ).


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

It's totally unique. I like that it's biased and I am always challenged here.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

TOL, a Christian mom's forum that I mod on, Facebook, Dutch news websites and bloglines.com


Andrew/Heretic: Your last pregnancy was something of a special TOL event. What's been the best part of motherhood so far and what about it, if anything, caught you completely by surprise?

I think the best part is seeing this little person grow & develop. Every stage is so much fun, but I love this age (3.5). Lili says the funniest things now, she has us cracking up daily.

What caught me by surprise is how much you love your kids. It's a love that is completely different from any other kind of love. Forgiveness also seems to come much faster towards kids. It's probably because they're so darn cute :chuckle:


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

Buy a house, invest the rest.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

A washer & dryer that would sort, wash, dry, fold & put the laundry away.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Cancer.


What color is your room?

White.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

I love my Toyota, I love my Coach bags & I love my Apple products


How would you describe your political views?

Very conservative.


You list as a Christian. For the new folk who may not be aware of you story of faith, could you share with us how you come to have a relationship with Christ?

I was searching for answers and what better place to look than Google? :chuckle: I came across somebody's blog and even though she was very outspoken (and somewhat arrogant, too!), I decided to email her. We had a ton of conversations via email and eventually she led me to Christ.


Could you share some of your philosophy on how you approach other people?

I used to be way more abrasive, but I think motherhood and becoming more mature has lessened that. I've also been very blessed with some amazing people around me who have influenced me. I try to keep this quote in the back of my mind, "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." But I still have a low tolerance for extreme stupidity


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

Moving across the world and sticking to my decision to do so. It was hard, I was homesick (and still am somewhat at times) and I wanted nothing more than to run home to mommy. I stuck it out, we figured it out together and here I am. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

My wedding day & the birth of my daughter


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I love to read. I like to read Christian books geared towards women, but I really like books like Twilight & the Hunger Games, because it's mindless reading and allows me to relax. (Go ahead, make fun of my love for sparkly vampires! :chuckle: )


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Be patient with people. Not everybody comes to the same conclusions at the same time. Have grace. Be gentle when you can.


Thank you for joining in this project. I know I can speak for all the old guard in congratulating you on your newest adventure and in welcoming you back for as long as you can be.

:thumb: My pleasure!

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Grace.


2. What is your least favorite word?

I don't think I have one. Though "moist" creeps me out.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

Music.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Nails on a chalkboard.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

A funny comment from Lili.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Silly, high strung (unfortunately), scatter brained.


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My iPhone & my Kindle.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Becoming a mother.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

Lots of work left

 

[Town Heretic]

MrRadish

MrRadish

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: Hey, buddy how are you doing?

Radish: Is this the first question?

I'm very well, thank you. Stressed but excited to be doing important things (moving out and so on) for the first time in a few months.


So, MrRadish, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

It's actually quite simple - I've always liked funny-sounding words. Words like "piglet", and "squelch" and "trumpet" and "discombobulate". For me "radish" is one of these. It's one of those words you can really relish saying out loud.

I first started using the 'Radish' theme when a friend of mine who's a big Star Wars fan started his own general chat forum and wanted me to join, so I called myself 'The Sinister Darth Radish'. MrRadish seemed to be a more respectable form of the same. If I were to call myself something else it'd probably be 'Lord Shobley', after a village near where I live. Shobley's another one of those satisfying words, you see.


As resident swashbuckler and pirateer extraordinaire, can you share with us why you love the pirate life so much?

The hats.

Admittedly I do also like the carefree exuberance of romanticised swashbuckling; the abandon with which each moment is lived to the full; the heady blend of freedom and honour, self-expression and vanity, individualism and companionship; the sense that the world is full of discovery and adventure if only one reaches out and seizes the day.

But mainly the hats. Oh, and the rum. I like rum. lain:



How did you find TOL?

I'd just started Sixth Form (that's the first non-mandatory part of education and takes place between the ages of sixteen and eighteen for all the non-Brits out there) and I'd decided not to continue Religious Studies, which I'd done at GCSE and was top of my class for. Essentially, I missed the religious debates, and there were a few questions I still had that my teachers hadn't been able to answer. So I googled for theology forums, and thought that 'Theology Online' looked like a nice, neutral place to talk over one's ideas, unlike Christianforums.com or Richarddawkins.net which I worried would be too biased and confrontational.

:rotfl: The irony is glorious. I like it here, though.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

I'm not that big on forums, but I did join a couple of other theology forums when I was fed up of bickering on TOL and... well, the fact I'm back says it all. At least the bickering on TOL is at least vaguely related to people's religion and politics.

I won't deny that there are times when I find TOL a bit frustrating, but it's also incredibly vibrant with a very genuine sense of community and some extraordinarily knowledgeable, interesting and funny members.



If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Aside from TOL, Youtube and Facebook ('cos I'm a young sprog and that's how the youths keep in touch these days. ) it's mainly a mixture of recipe pages and writing/theatre opportunities sites. Cooking and drama are my two big hobbies at the moment.

And, and you'd also find the Dwarf Fortress Wiki. If anybody knows what I mean by that, message me.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

Tough question. In principle, I'd want to put it toward something promoting collective ownership and ethical alternatives to a traditional capitalist business model - perhaps something to do with workers' co-operatives or Creative Commons on the internet. I think that'd potentially be more useful in the long run than throwing it at a charity that only eases the problems caused by a broken system.

In practice I'd probably make a retirement fund for my mum, buy a flat in London, see if I could get one of my plays put on, and use the rest to save the Youth Theatre I was a member of that's now struggling because of arts budget cuts.



If you could invent one thing what would it be?

Far too much could go wrong with time travel, and a machine for making everyone feel satisfied and happy brings to mind horrible images of mass brainwashing, so I think I'll go with an eco-friendly teleporter. Sure, it'd put millions of people out of a job and destroy entire economies that had relied on the transportation industry to survive, but the possibilities it'd create would be mind-boggling and society's got a wonderful tendency to pick itself up and dust itself off after a breakthrough like that.



If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

AIDS or cancer would be the obvious ones. Or ischaemic heart diseases, which are apparently the biggest killer of people worldwide. Aside from those - Alzheimer's, possibly? It can render dark and miserable the time when people should be appreciating life the most.



What color is your room?

The top half is a pale-blue with faint silver stars, and the bottom half is a sort of greyish lilac, seperated by a band of violet and white. I designed it to be reminiscent of a landscape in the dawn light, just before sunrise.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Not really one for brand loyalty and I'm quite thrifty most of the time - many of my clothes come from charity shops and as far as other things go I'll usually buy whatever's cheap and bearable!

I honestly can't think of a single product for which I'd insist on a particular brand. :think:


How would you describe your political views?

Marx-influenced socialism, really. I try not to use the term 'communist' because of the associations it's picked up as a result of Leninism, Maoism, Stalinism etc. I would certainly like to learn more about economics, but the principles behind Marxism and socialist anarchism seem far more humane than those in capitalism, especially the free-market libertarian variety that's popular among fans of Ayn Rand.



You list as a Agnostic. Many believe this to be the most rational position, other's question it. What does being agnostic mean to you?

To me it basically means accepting my limitations. I used to argue that it was the most rational position - indeed the only rational position - and that nobody could possibly know whether or not there's some form of metaphysical entity watching over us or not. Then Clete pointed out one day that I had no way of knowing that, and that even the veracity of logic itself is based on a presupposition, and I reevaluated my position to be even more agnostic. Now all I can say is that as it stands, I can't consciously see any way or reason for me to form an opinion about the matter, but I accept that other people think they do know and they might be right.

It sounds like quite a petty distinction, but it's actually very important to me in how I deal with people day-to-day. Ultimately, we all work according to unprovable assumptions, often without even realising it, and I'm convinced this is where an awful lot of arguments and misunderstandings come from. It happens in language, too. The same words can have very different connotations to different people.

It's also good to always remember that you might be completely wrong about something. Going into a discussion convinced that you've got all the answers tends to result in a frustrating experience for everyone.



You joined almost 5 years ago, MrRadish. As one of the few young people who have survived on here, what advice could you give to the newer young members?

Don't go in too full of yourself or convinced that you're going to put the world to rights, because the chances are that most of the stuff you say has already been discussed quite a lot and both sides will now be thoroughly entrenched in their position.

At the same time, don't feel too intimidated by the older and apparently more knowledgeable members. Don't feel stupid if someone catches you in a rhetorical trap. Bear in mind that many arguments are won not through reason but articulacy, and people who've been doing this for years have obviously had a lot more practice!

Oh, and don't use a TOL argument in real life unless you actually understand it. lain:


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

I've actually led quite a charmed life, all in all. There have been things which have been unpleasant in themselves - a couple of nasty accidents, my father dying when I was five, most of my immediate family having suffered from depression or long-term health issues - but they've tended to occur in a way where the effect on me's actually been quite minimal or at least easy to deal with, and in many other regards I get an awful lot of good luck.

I suppose one of my biggest challenges was the process of learning how not to feel for others when there's no point in doing so. I was a fairly sensitive child who really hated conflict and anger, but was part of a class that was involved what was effectively an all-out war with the staff of the school (or so it felt at the time). Every day I saw teachers getting angry and actively upset as they tried to control the pupils, and pupils being emotionally intimidated as they were punished, and overall an enormous and destructive waste of everyone's time and energy. And I was vicariously experiencing all of it. So in order to avoid going totally haywire I had to learn that although it's good to help out where you can, other people's feelings are their own responsibility, and there's nothing to be gained shouldering the phantom of other's burden and doubling the suffering overall.



What was the happiest moment of your life?

I'm happy a lot of the time and in a lot of different ways! Being on stage and doing a good job of it always brings a rather special ecstasy with it - getting a laugh and a spontaneous round of applause for my single, rather boring line in Shakespeare play I was once in is a moment I'll always remember - and I'm even now discovering the moments of profound contentment that arise from being emotionally involved with somebody special. I think many of my happiest moments, however, have been as ephemeral as they have been exuberant: laughing and having fun with friends I really care about, talking late into the night about life and the universe with my family, even stepping out of my door on a summer's day and feeling like the world is laid out in front of me waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

It was also nice when the neighbour's dog finally stopped barking last night. :mmph:



What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I'm actually capable of writing one-sentence responses. lain:

Only joking! I'm not really! Okay, how about the fact that although I do indeed have a rather plum English accent, am rarely seen without a fancy waistcoat and actually do use a monocle, cane and pocketwatch sometimes, I actually live in a small ex-council house in a bit of a rough neighbourhood.

On an unrelated note, I didn't particularly enjoy The Princess Bride.



Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

God-given, eh...?

I think the phrase that really sums up my life at the moment is "If you can't bend the circumstances to your will, bend your will to the circumstances". You need to be very comfortable in your own skin before you can do it, though, and you also need to make sure that you really can't do anything about the circumstances otherwise you get complacent.

But yes, it's one of the paradoxes of the world that it's only after you've made peace with the world that you can really start trying to change it.

Thanks for giving us one of the more revealing, interesting interviews to date. :thumb:

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

In addition to those already mentioned:
Discombobulate
Chortle
Ha'pen'orth
Catoblepas
Scurvy
Grockle
Sanguine
Mighty
Filch
Landlubber


2. What is your least favorite word?

Gotten.
Smelly.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

Waves against the shore, accordions, and the appreciative roar of an audience.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

The Most Annoying Sound in the World

Also an alarm clock.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

Listing my favourite words, and also getting a spontaneous text from the bonny lass saying hello and wishing me a nice day. Plus I'm reading a hilarious blog of screenshots of Onion articles being taken seriously on Facebook.
http://literallyunbelievable.org


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Flamboyant wind-up merchant. lain:


7. If you were only allowed to retain two possessions what would they be?

My hat and my magic compass... no, wait. I had to sell the compass in the end. And come to think of it I could just make another hat...

In seriousness, probably an engraved pocket watch my dad left me when he was diagnosed as terminal, and either my monocle or my computer with my various writing projects on it.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected?

Well, I'm not sure you can properly love someone without respecting them to some degree. Which element I'd enjoy more depends entirely on who's doing it.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Writing my first full-length play, a loose adaptation of The Three Musketeers. Also learning not to be an uptight and absolutist prude during my mid-teens.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

There's still a lot I want to accomplish, but in terms of who I am as a person, I'd say pretty darn close. I give it a 9.

 

[Town Heretic]

MaryContrary

MaryContrary

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, MaryContrary, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

MaryContrary: The nursery rhyme.
Had no idea about any of that allegorical stuff at time. Just thought it sounded cool, like the perfect internet moniker. And the rebelliousness it implied appealed to me at the time. Still does, I think, though in a different way. Which probably isn’t a good thing.


How did you find TOL?

I…honestly can’t remember. Pretty sure my husband pointed it out to me at one point and I know he was familiar with it back then so…yeah, probably that.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

Top five easily. Depends on what you’re looking for, though. Something challenging and interesting? TOL rocks the top notch, no doubt. There are other forums I frequent that address particular issues for particular groups of people, so it’s hard to judge those in relation to TOL. But even then we’re looking at the top five, IMHO.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

I’ve got three folders at the top and bunch beneath that:

1) “Online games”, which is stuff like MMO’s I‘ve grown tired of, flash game sites like armorgames.com (I love tower defense games! Hard time finding any I haven’t already beaten) and just any internet game that catches my fancy.

2) “RPG Stuff”, which is…tabletop rpg stuff. Links, forums, etc. Most inspirational and source material for the games I run.

3) “TOL Stuff”, which is more source material. Pretty much anything I stumble across on the net that I might need to refer to on TOL someday. It’s also come to be a folder I just put anything interesting that reminds me something from TOL for that matter. I’ve got conversapedia.com in there, for example, and I don’t think I’ve ever referenced it on TOL.

4) Beneath that: a bunch of links I don’t want to bother digging out of a folder: Gmail, Free Republic, Pajamas TV, Failblog, Fanfiction.net, Biblegateway, TV Guide, Weather.com, Lolcats, Thesaurus, Youtube and Order of the Stick.
But, hey, despite appearances, none of that’s really all thatorganized.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

Get us custody of hubby’s son. Put the rest in the bank for emergencies.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

FTL engine.
Yeah, really. We could use a new frontier.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Various heart diseases and cancer are what kill the most people each year, so either of those. Probably heart disease, since that one typically doesn't really give you a heads up.


What color is your room?

Yellowish?


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Pretty much “cool”. I’m willing to let things like efficiency slide a little in the interests of cool. Not much but…yeah, a little.
Of course, some things work so well that that's a cool all by itself. I like things that really work well.


Do you have a favorite hobby?

RPGs!
Yeah, I haven’t posted anything there in a while but we’re still gaming. Probably will be sitting around the table when we’re eighty.


How would you describe your political views?

Conservative.


You list as a Christian but many newer members may not know the short story of your relationship with Christ. Would you like to share with them how it was you became a Christian?

Short story? I was a hateful, twisted, wicked person who somehow managed to have a small group of loving friends. Those friends loved me enough to tell me, frequently, how hateful, twisted and wicked I was. That God hated and despised everything I embraced and that I was going to hell. And that God loved me enough to humble Himself and die to save me from all of that, if I just stopped fighting and accepted Him. One day I did. Viola. Wasn’t even a miracle or anything. He just out-stubborned me.


One of the standout moments in your career on TOL was sharing your testimonial with the community. It was/has been well discussed/received and controversial to some members. Thinking back, what convinced you to come forth with your story?

I was called to do it. Wish I’d done a better job of it but I guess it's good enough. I'm sure not going back and touching it.


What was the scariest part to admit for you?

My father. All of that.


Do you have any regrets in what you shared?

…Yes and no. I can’t think about it without panicking and wanting to go delete the thing (thanks for bringing it up four times in a row!) but I stifle it.

Meh, if it does anything positive at all for anyone at all, then it’s worth it. I mean, it’s the internet anyway, right? But I do really, really hate having it out there where certain people can read it.

On the other hand, I am three-quarters of the way through my autobiography now. Writing and posting that was definitely the gateway. I wouldn't have even started otherwise.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

Being redeemed. Hands down. That’s almost a pat answer, I know, but yeah, really. That changed everything and put everything into perspective for me. I’d be dead and in hell right now otherwise, just to drive the point home.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

:think:
I sure one of these four things is something you (kind reader) didn't already know about me that would be surprising.

1) I was born on October 31st.
2) I am, literally, brain damaged. Took a baseball bat to the head once.
3) I once ate a live cricket on a two dollar bet.
4) I got drunk and got in a fight with a police officer. And won. Relatively speaking.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Storms pass.


Thank you MaryContrary for this insightful interview you've shared with us tonight.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Discombobulated.

Is that not the awesomest word ever?


2. What is your least favorite word?

I hate to do it but I have to speak generally here. Words like "floccinaucinihilipilification". The act or habit of describing or regarding something as unimportant. The irony there should be not be lost, as the word is entirely too long to be of any real use to anyone at all. Words shouldn't be that long and difficult. They should accurately and effectively convey what they mean, of course...but this doesn't. Because it's too danged long.

Also, words that aren't spell with any phonetic consistency. Like "bruise" or "receipt" and "salute". I understand the English language is kind of a mish-mash of this and that, and this really can't be corrected without revamping the whole thing...still bugs me, though.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

Any sigh of pleasure, other than my own, from any loved one, that I'm responsible for.

That and wind chimes.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Any dog barking that isn't actually warning that he's for real about to bite. I don't like having to stifle my instincts to violently remove a threat because you didn't really mean it when you threatened me.

This applies to people as well, not just dogs. Especially those proverbial chihuahuas in the world. Stop taking advantage of my polite willingness not to smack your face because you stopped short of actual violence yourself. I'm always tempted to make an example.

That and nails on a chalkboard.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

My answer to the last question. So maybe I'm a little sadistic.

Prior to that, the most recent, profound and long-lasting smile was from my hubby murmuring something or other about how much he missed me while we were sharing a big, long hug in the doorway. That smile lasted a while. So maybe I'm not all bad.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Tall, hard and beautiful.

Yes, I'm pushing it with the "beautiful" but I happen to think a woman shouldn't be required to describe herself in any other way.

You got a problem with that?!


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

Wedding ring and my net worth, in cash.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Personally? Loved. I'd just rather be loved than respected. I wouldn't care if the whole world didn't think much of me if there was one person who honestly loved me. Conversely, if the whole world respected me and no one honestly loved me, I'd be pretty miserable. And probably bitter at the whole world for respecting me so much and not otherwise giving a crap.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

My husband had a party thrown for him this one time and everyone was all about how great he was for an evening. And he took the opportunity to show me off to everyone there.

Yeah, I can't give that thing the credit it's due. :idunno:


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

I think I'm pretty close to who I should be. Who I want to be, though? Maybe four. I'm probably not going to get any closer than five or so.

Except on those days when I'm wise enough to want to be who I should.

 

[Town Heretic]

Student X

Student X

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, Student X, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screen name?

Mr. Q., Thank you for sharing your time to interview me. The inspiration for Student X is Jesus Christ and my humble position with Him. Student X is a disciple of Christ........ ['student' = pupil, or disciple] + [ 'X' = Christos]
student_ad_x became my moniker mainstay on many Christian forums. [student = pupil or disciple] + [aD=annoDomine] + [X = Christos]


Some people may have been confused by your other screen name, student_ad_x. Would you like to clear that up for everyone at once?

Sure, :chuckle: When I joined TOL, I lurked for some time as bereancam, Student X before a username change, then started posting. I regularly dump cache/junk, so when I cleared my browser, I cleared my passwords by mistake. I couldn't remember the password :doh: At the time, I remember there was a heated peanut gallery discussion, so I conjured up the username, student_ad_x, but by the time I thought about posting, I remembered bereancam's password, so I just used the bereancam account from then on. Later, I realized that I liked the student ad x moniker better than bereancam, so I asked Knight to change it, which he happily did for me. After a troll smacked me around about being an ad pitch man, I acted a smidge rashly and I asked Lucky to change the name to Student X.......... hence, StuX, as T.H. has so apptly coined me.


student ad x had been dormant for a couple of years. One day I was cleaning out yahoo mail and I came across the TOL email for student ad x. I recalled the password and logged in. I was like cool, then wondered how long it would take to build up rep in the new rep value system that Knight had changed a few years ago. I've used this account for a year or so, posting here or there, trying to build up rep, but rep is extremely slow going. It will take years for student ad x to attain the same level Student X.


How did you find TOL?

I used Google to look for Theology discussions - google spat out TOL, Crosswalk, Christian Forums, CARM and some others.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

Well, TOL is different from other Christian boards. I'd say TOL ranks at the top of free-for-all informal debate sites.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

On my bookmark bar, you'd find folders: home pages, email, news, blogs, reading/research, studies, online sermons, sports, music.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

Pay off student loan lain:, then find & purchase property for a church plant in Martinsville Indiana, then compensate a Pastor to preach, teach & live ...... through retirement, then find me a nice cave to occupy.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

Fully automated automobiles for commuting, public transportation etc.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Alzheimers or Schizophrenia........ it's a tossup


You started the latest iteration of the "What are you listening to?" thread. How would you describe your musical taste?

Diverse, from plain song through classical, jazz, blues, through Progressive Rock/Metal, and out into the ambient sounds......... then there's country, I'm not that diverse.


What color is your room?

My cave has a few nooks. The walls in the nook where I sleep, NEED TO BE REPAINTED.
At one time, the nook was supposed to be a shared room for kids, a boy and girl... so the colors reflect that thought process.

I'll have some kind of off-white, eventually :smack:


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

I don't have fashion. If the clothes are comfortable, I where them. I don't have a favorite brand of car, but I do have a specific favorite car family; 1967-69 Camaro SS/Z28. My favorite brand of electronics is pretty much anything that works, but, I do love Bose equipment..... I wish I had some.


On your profile page you mentioned you are a bicycler. What appeals to you about the hobby?

The bicycling started out as a sad attempt at physical therapy for chronic back conditions. Once I was able to strengthen up and build some stamina, bike riding became something to enjoy, as well a way to burn fat. All of these years later, I was reminded that a bike is a machine, simple, but still a machine. I had forgotten the feeling, the adrenaline, the air moving through the hair......... self-propelled freedom.


How would you describe your political views?

I do my darndest to stay away from political views, but I'm a conservative.


You list as a Christian and you openly claim Calvinist views. Like your other Calvinist brethren, what do you have to say to views critics?

Salvation is all of grace, from beginning to end.


What inspires you to take up the Christian faith?

The Word of God, prayer & my Christian brothers and sisters.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

The greatest test was having complications during Lower-Back surgery. I contracted the MRSA infection from the hospital, which, a week later, landed me back in the hospital, followed by 30 days of home health care. 11 years later, the back (degenerative disc disease), hip & leg (sciatic nerve problems) remains as a physical test I face daily.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

Being a part of the Pan Am Games Festival Orchestra (1989) with Joself Gingold, Janos Starker & others.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I'm middle-aged, not married, no children & haven't been on a date in a decade....... oh and I don't drive an automobile.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Seek humility.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Humble


2. What is your least favorite word?

A colorful metaphor that is used all too frequently in the vernacular of some people, it has 4 letters...


3. What sound or noise do you love?

I love the quiet of the morning, when only the birds have the stage.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

:think:. Fingernails dragged across a chalk board........ wait a second, the sound of my female cat in heat, that's it, final answer :dizzy:


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

Rainee's profile pic


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Not there yet, or introverted eclectic eccentric.


7. If you were allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

Well, a couple pair of pants of course lain:

My Bible & my viola are the possessions I'd be lost without.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

I'd say loved. Respect can be earned, and sadly, forgotten... true love is not forgotten.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

I could list one of my musical accomplishments, but being physically capable of helping others take care of their lawns and gardens is what I'm most satisfied with.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

I'd think a 4, I have such a long way to go.

 

[Town Heretic]

Lon

Lon

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, Lon, let's start out with some simple stuff. Is your screenname your real name?

Lon: Yes. I'd probably forget who you were talking to otherwise.

How did you find TOL?

Google. I was looking for a place to discuss theology. Theologyonline seemed a no-brainer.

How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

More challenging, certainly. We need places that greatly test and challenge our beliefs.

If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Each of my family members has their own section under our names. Mine is Theology, Chat, Games, Art, Reading, Guitar and other music, and personals such as friends' websites etc.

If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

We each over our lifetime average about 1.2 m so I'm actually using it as we speak like most families taking care of ourselves and others.

If you could invent one thing what would it be?

I've actually thought of a lot of things that get invented and somebody else makes the $.
Right now, it would be a 3-d 1st person interactive Bible, including landscape that reflects NASA topography as well as Bible characters you could walk up to and learn scriptures 'first-hand' so to speak. There are interactive Bibles, but not as fully immersed as I'm imagining.

If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

So many. My wife was diagnosed with cancer and is now 1 1/2 years in remission after 2 years of treatment.

What kind of hobby do you enjoy?

Reading, Theology, music, cooking, drawing, Disney and western movies.

What color is your room?

Boring off-white

Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Levi's jeans, Chrysler, Jimmy Dean, Reeces

Are you a fan of literature? What kind of literature appeals to you?

Yes. Mostly fantasy, 2nd would be historical fiction.

How would you describe your political views?

More republican than democrat (smaller government, less regulation and involvement) but
I look for able leaders and good character when I vote.

You list as a Christian, and for new members and forgetful long termers, can you describe your relationship with Christ for us?

My 'relationship' with Christ? Simply I'd say saved and adopted by grace.

What are some doctrines you agree with?

Reformed. Most orthodox positions.

What are some that you disagree with?

Unorthodox positions, especially concerning the nature of God and Christ.

As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

My wife was diagnosed with cancer.

What was the happiest moment of your life?

Kids being born, wedding, the day I knew Christ loved me, seeing kids come to Christ.

What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

My eclectic job resume' probably. I've done about everything: Bookstore warehouse, construction, remodelling, tunnel construction foreman, carpenter, teacher, lumberyard, bus-driver, para-professional with special needs children, camp director, logger, salesman, associate pastor, janitor, warehouse worker, church-growth consultant, artist aid, carnival ride operator, catering and food industry....


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Forgive one another, deeply, from the heart. We all mess up. The hard lesson for me was that those I looked up to who have fallen, God isn't done with them yet. Yes, we need to go through discipline channels, but no, that doesn't mean disowning nor that there is no hope left. We all have fallen short of the glory of God to some degree or another.

Mat 18:35 So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart."

Thank you Lon for the insightful interview into your life.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Grace


2. What is your least favorite word?

What? I can't type that here!
(thankfully)
I am however bothered by vainly using God's name as a swearword/interjection.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

Rain on a tinroof


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Incessant barking (I'm grouchy when I'm tired)


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

Surnaturel's avatar and Rainee bugging him about it and the whole humorous process of him having to change it.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Saved by Grace


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

Tough one. Er...My computer and my bank account?


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Yes.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Seeing those I've led to Christ, leading others to Christ.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?[/quote]

10 and zero. You will all figure that out pretty easily

 

[Town Heretic]

Angel4Truth

Angel4Truth

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, Angel4Truth, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?


A4T: Angel biblically means messenger, the #4 just short for the word for and Truth from the passage where Christ says " I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by Me"

So to make a long story short, it literally means Messenger for Christ.


How did you find TOL?


I was refereed here by Inzlkett. I know her from another board where I used to post.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?


I would rank it one of the best that is out there right now- and certainly the best christian forum around right now.

I've been posting/chatting on a few different forums for a while and now this one is the only one i am active on.


As a relatively new member of the forum, what impresses you the most about the community?


Even though at times some people do not seem to get along with one another, just about everyone conducts themselves in a manner that allows discussion to continue.

There is a great amount of latitude for discussion to take place here. Even the squabbles here seem to me like that you would find in a family. So to me its like a great big huge family.

You have the serious and not so serious and the eccentricities you would find in a big family.


What disappoints you about TOL, if anything?

Its a little difficult for new members to navigate and understand.


Do you have a favorite hobby?


Yes, i like playing with computer graphics and photo editing.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

News links, theology articles, things i think are interesting and want to show someone, some threads from here, and some random things i am looking at on amazon that i want to look more into. I used to have loads of others but ive recently changed computers and cant figure out how to get them from a win xp computer to win 7. Im having a hard time getting transfer to work from my old one to this one on loads of things (i dont like win 7)



If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

Wow, that one would take a lot of thought, i would put it in the bank and then pray long and hard about it.

Right off i think i would pay a few bills off and try to figure out a way for family to be a lot closer together since we are all spread out and would most likely help many family members with it.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Cancer.


What color is your room?

Which room? LOL, the room i am in right now is like a creamy beige color.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Not really, i like a lot of different kinds of things but tend toward American made only vehicles, I usually want what has the best reviews to get the most bang out of my buck, fashion to me is anything someone likes the best or what looks the best on them and thats not always what is in style or 'hot'.


How would you describe your political views?

Fed up with all government to be honest, i am neither republican or democrat. I think both sides of that coin have failed the american people greatly and neither seems to care, they just press on with their current faults and both blame the other side. Its sad really.


You list as a Christian, and many newer or even some older members may be interested in a quick take on your story. What inspired you to take up the Christian faith?

Conviction of my sins which are many. Wanting the truth no matter what it was. Wanting purpose and direction and reason for my life.



If you could say anything to your political or doctrinal critics, what would you like to say to them?

Ask and discuss with me what *I* think instead of what you *assume* my church/party/group thinks.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

Yes, but its very person and its something that should remain so.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

Aside from being saved, it would be getting married to my husband.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I used to be quite a liberal thinker.



Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

Thats easy, learn not to sweat the small stuff.

The Ten:

Spoiler

1. What is your favorite word?

Baby


2. What is your least favorite word?

Can't say it on here.


3. What sound or noise do you love?

My husbands voice.



4. What sound or noise do you hate?

That screechy sound that chalk makes on a chalk board.



5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

Being asked to join in with this interview.



6. Describe yourself in three words.

Inquisitive, caring, funny.


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My wedding ring and a radio.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Learning that God and family are the most important things in life.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

6 - loads of room for improvement there.

 

[Town Heretic]

Buzzword

Buzzword

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, Buzzword, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

Buzzword: I had a chip on my shoulder for awhile about how it seemed like too many Christians had based their entire theology around clichés, and could only respond to or with…buzzwords…when confronted with that fact.


How did you find TOL?

TOL was one of three religion forums I found with my initial Google search. I’d been very active on message boards of other topics before, and I’d run out of new people to discuss theology with.


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

Definitely number 1 for religious forums. Further down on the list for general forums, mainly because I had never put anyone on ignore prior to coming to TOL.


What is your favorite thing about TOL?

The variety of viewpoints and beliefs.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

My blog, MemeBase, several Wikis (official and unofficial), etc.


If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?

Pay off my debts, buy and furnish a fairly nice house, get my and my wife’s cars repaired, pay for the rest of my wife’s college education, then invest the rest in non-taxable municipal bonds for our retirement.


What kind of hobbies do you have?

Writing, playing piano/trombone, singing (especially with my wife), watching Mixed Martial Arts, etc.


If you could invent one thing what would it be?

A self-driving car, so both me and my wife could nap in the car when we take road trips.


If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?

Ignorance


What color is your room?

Red and beige.


Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?

Not really. My dad built my computer from scratch, and I buy clothes that are comfortable and affordable, regardless of where I have to look to get them.


How would you describe your political views?

Very cynical when it comes to voting. When discussing, I try to take the middle of the road. I’ve been a fanatic for both ends of the spectrum, but nowadays I try to acknowledge that both sides have a few things right, and a few things wrong.


You list as a Christian, yet you are sometimes at odds with the mainstream Christians. What is the Christian faith to you?

Being filled with the presence of transcendent existence to the point that the animalistic kill-or-be-killed, fight-or-flight instincts may at last be overcome to reach a state of working for others’ best because doing so is for MY best. Or, in simpler terms, being brought into perfect relationship with God, with each other, and with God’s created universe.


As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?

Actually I feel as though I’m facing it now. I’m about to graduate from college after eight years of trying and failing, facing many other challenges along that road. Now I feel on the edge of a precipice, knowing I must jump (to support myself and my wife, who is still in college), but not knowing if what lies at the bottom will be an eternity of hellish servitude to the Man, or experiences even more amazing than what I have had so far in life.


What was the happiest moment of your life?

Marrying my wife, especially after coming through the three years of her mother’s final (fatal) battle with cancer with her, and finding light at the end of the tunnel.


What would we all be surprised to find out about you?

I enjoy writing comic books.


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?

People matter more than theologies.

The Ten

Spoiler

Ten Quick Questions

1. What is your favorite word?

Music.


2. What is your least favorite word?

“Like”, when used as conversational filler


3. What sound or noise do you love?

A drumline warming up.


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Other people’s pets.


5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

Kissing my wife good-morning.


6. Describe yourself in three words.

Creative, cynical, compromising. (and alliterative)


7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

My computer and my wedding ring.


8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved, at least in the Christian sense. To be respected requires an act on MY part, which is simply reacted to by others. To be loved requires a proactive choice on THEIR part, regardless of what I do or don’t do.


9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Getting a poem published, and being able to send my grandpa (who has always encouraged me to write) a copy of the anthology.


10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

A five at most. I still have a lot of work to do as a husband, as a Christian, as a man, and as a human being.

 

[Town Heretic]

John Mortimer

John Mortimer

The Interview:

Spoiler

James: So, John Mortimer, let's start out with some simple stuff. What inspired your screenname?

John Mortimer: A desire to be open, honest and transparent. John Mortimer is my birth name. I remember also – back when I found TOL – a desire to discuss theology in a very serious manner and so I had no time for any fancy screen name nonsense. :chuckle: I've lightened up a lot since those days!


How did you find TOL?

Search engine – I wanted to find a theology forum online and so guess what came up?


How would you rank it among other forums you have participated in?

Well, I don’t do ranking in terms of “better or worse”... what I will say is that TOL is much more cosmopolitan than other theology / spiritual forums I’ve been involved with. There’s an impressive degree of freedom allowed by the moderators.



If you could say anything to the TOL community at large, what would you share with them?

Always be willing to question and challenge your own beliefs and mental boxes. I know how difficult that can be. Even identifying one’s own beliefs and mental boxes can be difficult because they are often subconscious. I just know from experience that blessing results from such questioning – and, sooner or later, misery results from not questioning.


If I looked at your favorites list in your web browser, what would I likely find?

Lady Gaga (various sites & pages)
Kellee Maize
Gangaji
Scott Kiloby
Mooji
Ask The Real Jesus
Katy Perry
Kesha
Kylie Minogue
The weather forecast (I am British, after all!)
and various chess sites & pages



If you had a million dollars what would you use it for?


I honestly don’t know... but I would know if I were in that situation.



If you could invent one thing what would it be?


An energy supply that was completely free. In fact, if you believe the conspiracy theories, such a supply has already been found and developed but is being suppressed by vested interests.



If you could cure one disease, which one do you choose?


Depression.



What color is your room?


Blue and white



What kind of hobbies do you enjoy?


Chess is the only actual hobby I have. I am a musician – but music is far more than a hobby to me.



Do you have a favorite brand for things like cars, clothing or electronics?


Not really. I love Criminal Damage clothing.



You've mentioned being from Scotland on the forum before, what is your favorite thing about Scotland?


The general sense of tolerance and compassion. The collective consciousness of Scotland is interesting in many ways and, like most other nations, changing quite rapidly. I get the sense that Scotland is beginning to regain its vocation as a center of innovation. I may be wrong about that – but I think it is and I certainly hope so.



How would you describe your political views?


In a word, moderate. I don’t think the old left-right paradigm has any basis in reality anymore. In fact I don't know if it ever had a basis in reality.



You list as an Other, yet you often post with a Christian to a spiritual slant in regards to your faith. For those unaware, what is the story of John Mortimer's experience with faith?

When I was very young I simply could not believe how few people there seemed to be who were interested in the big questions... God, the meaning of existence etc. I had a very earnest desire to be serious about these things. I read some philosophy but found the lack of certainty unsettling. I got involved with Christian fundamentalism after certain experiences and so began a journey that went from premillennial dispensationalist Christianity to Calvinism to Anglo-Catholicism to the Ascended Master teachings and then to where I am now. If there was to be a label put on where I am now, I guess the most relevant would be, “Non-duality”.
All through the journey I have had an interest in Zen... even in the Christian fundamentalist days!



As all our lives have a natural ebb and flow that we experience, do you recall what was the greatest test you ever faced?


There is no one test I would single out. In terms of the “spiritual path”, it was definitely in 2 stages, both in regard to Mother Mary, (the spiritual being whose last embodiment was as the mother of Jesus). The first stage of that test was the acceptance of the mind-blowing reality that a completely natural communion with her was possible for anyone, including me. The second stage was the discovering what the true nature of that communion actually is.

If I had shied away from either of these tests my life would have been very different indeed – and not in a good way.

There have been very much more traumatic and distressing “tests”... but I don’t feel there is much point in discussing them.



What was the happiest moment of your life?


When I encountered Mother Mary.



What would we all be surprised to find out about you?


Mmmm... perhaps that I don’t really exist?


Finally, as you depart, care to share a piece of God given wisdom your life has taught you with the readers?


Identities and personality come and go but what we are has no beginning and thus who we are has no final ending.

The Ten:

Spoiler

Ten quick questions:

1. What is your favorite word?

Blessed.


2. What is your least favorite word?

Punish.



3. What sound or noise do you love?

Woodpigeons coo-ing


4. What sound or noise do you hate?

Road drills.



5. What's the last thing that made you smile?

My son saying, “Good morning, dad”.



6. Describe yourself in three words.

I am presence.



7. If you were only allowed to retain only two possessions what would they be?

A baby photo of my son. My laptop.



8. Is it better to be loved or respected.

Loved.



9. What is the proudest accomplishment of your life?

Allowing myself to come into communion with Mother Mary. I would not, however, say I am proud of that, for pride, (in the sense of the ego), has to be completely let go of for such communion to happen. I would say, without a shadow of doubt, that communion with Mother Mary is the most significant achievement of this embodiment so far.



10. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the closest, how close are you to being the person you want to be?

Ten.